Johannesburg Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Johannesburg tours, South Africa’s vibrant City of Gold: the moving township of Soweto and the powerful Apartheid Museum, the fossil-rich Cradle of Humankind where human origins were unearthed, exhilarating Big Five safaris to Pilanesberg and Kruger, lion encounters, and day trips to the capital Pretoria. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect South Africa trip.
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Explore Johannesburg by interest
Whatever brings you to Johannesburg — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Soweto & apartheid
Township and history.
ExplorePilanesberg safari
Big Five game drives.
ExploreKruger safari
Africa’s great reserve.
ExploreCradle of Humankind
Human origins.
ExploreCity tours
The City of Gold.
ExploreLion encounters
Close wildlife parks.
ExplorePretoria
The capital city.
ExploreSun City
Resort and Lost City.
ExploreTop attractions in Johannesburg
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Soweto
Historic township.
Apartheid Museum
Powerful history.
Pilanesberg
Big Five safari.
Cradle of Humankind
Human origins.
Kruger Park
Africa’s great reserve.
Pretoria
The capital city.
Vilakazi Street
Mandela’s home.
Sterkfontein Caves
Fossil caves.
Johannesburg in 1 day
- 1Apartheid Museum
- 2Soweto tour
- 3Vilakazi Street
- 4Hector Pieterson Memorial
Johannesburg in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Soweto & museum
- 2Day 2: Pilanesberg safari
- 3Big Five game drive
- 4Open-vehicle safari
Johannesburg in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Soweto & museum
- 2Day 2: Pilanesberg safari
- 3Day 3: Cradle of Humankind
- 4History, safari & origins
Johannesburg with kids
- 1Lion park
- 2Pilanesberg safari
- 3Cradle of Humankind
- 4Gold Reef City
2.5 hrs awayPilanesberg
Big Five safari.
1 hr awayCradle of Humankind
Human origins.
1 hr awayPretoria
The capital city.
Multi-day awayKruger Park
Africa’s great reserve.
In the city awaySoweto
Historic township.
2 hrs awaySun City
Resort and Lost City.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Johannesburg visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
May to September, the dry winter, brings sunny days and the best safari game viewing, as animals gather at water — the prime time for Johannesburg and the bush.
Safari season (May–Sep)
Cool, dry winter days are best for spotting wildlife in Pilanesberg and Kruger, with thinner bush and animals at waterholes.
Summer (Oct–Apr)
Warm with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; lush, green and good for birdlife, though the grass is taller for safaris.
Highveld climate
At around 1,750m, Johannesburg has sunny days year-round and cool winter nights; pack layers, especially May–August.
Jacaranda season
In October–November Johannesburg and Pretoria bloom purple with jacaranda trees — a beautiful time to visit.
For city tours
Johannesburg’s mild climate means Soweto, the museums and the Cradle of Humankind are enjoyable year-round.
One day
Soweto and the Apartheid Museum.
Two days
Add a Pilanesberg Big Five safari.
Three days
The sweet spot: history, safari and the Cradle of Humankind.
Four to five days
Add a multi-day Kruger safari and the Panorama Route.
Gateway to safari
Jo’burg is the launch point for Kruger and Southern Africa.
Travelling with kids
Mix lion parks, safaris and the caves.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with transport are the easiest and recommended way to see Soweto, the museums, safaris and the Cradle of Humankind.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Bolt are widely used, affordable and a convenient way to get around the city safely.
Gautrain
The fast, modern Gautrain links the airport, Sandton, Johannesburg and Pretoria, a clean and efficient option.
Hop-on hop-off
City Sightseeing buses cover central Johannesburg’s main attractions with commentary.
Car & driver
A private car and driver or rental car suits exploring further afield, though navigating the sprawling city takes planning.
From the airport
OR Tambo International Airport links to the city via the Gautrain, transfers and ride-hailing in about 20–40 minutes.
Take guided tours
For Soweto, the inner city and safaris, guided tours are the recommended, comfortable and safe way to explore Johannesburg.
South African rand
South Africa uses the rand; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for tips, markets and small vendors.
Safari essentials
For game drives bring binoculars, a camera, sun protection and warm layers for chilly early-morning starts in winter.
Sun and altitude
The highveld sun is strong at altitude — wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay hydrated.
Tip your guides
Tipping guides, drivers and trackers is customary and appreciated for good service.
Book safaris ahead
Pilanesberg and Kruger safaris fill up in the dry season — reserve in advance.
Soweto tours
Popular Soweto and Apartheid Museum tours sell out — book ahead.
Pilanesberg safaris
Big Five day safaris fill up — reserve early.
Kruger safaris
Multi-day Kruger trips need planning — book well ahead.
Cradle of Humankind
Guided fossil tours are popular — pre-book.
Lion encounters
Wildlife-park visits are in demand — book ahead.
Safari peak
May–September is busy — plan ahead.
Soweto & museum
Around €40–80 for a Soweto and Apartheid Museum tour.
Pilanesberg safari
About €90–160 for a Pilanesberg day safari.
Kruger safari
Roughly €250–600 for a multi-day Kruger safari.
Cradle of Humankind
Around €55–100 for a Cradle of Humankind tour.
City tour
About €40–80 for a Johannesburg city tour.
How to save
Combine Soweto with the museum, join group safaris, and travel in the shoulder season.
Johannesburg through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Safari game viewing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal; cool nights.
- Best for
- Jacarandas, warmth.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely; storms build.
- Best for
- Lush, birdlife.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Afternoon storms.
- Best for
- Mild, fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant; good value.